New York (Rajeev Sharma): A political feud that dominated much of New York City’s mayoral race may be headed toward an unlikely reset. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he expects to meet with Zohran Mamdani, the city’s mayor-elect, suggesting the two may try to establish a working relationship despite months of hostility.
Trump, speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in Florida, said the incoming mayor had expressed interest in a meeting. “We’ll work something out,” he noted, offering a tone far more conciliatory than the attacks he frequently hurled at Mamdani throughout the campaign.
For much of the year, Trump portrayed Mamdani — a democratic socialist and former state assembly member — as a threat to New York City’s stability. He repeatedly used inaccurate labels, at one point calling the candidate a “communist,” and warned that the city would face disaster if Mamdani were elected. He even floated the idea of targeting Mamdani’s citizenship status, despite the mayor-elect having been a naturalized American for years.
Mamdani, 34, leaned into the criticism while campaigning, presenting himself as a symbolic counterweight to the president’s hard-edged immigration policies and combative governing style. His online presence grew rapidly, helping him galvanize younger voters and build momentum that ultimately led to his upset victory over former governor Andrew Cuomo.
On election night, Mamdani vowed to make New York “a model for resisting the president’s agenda,” but he also pledged he would not let political differences stand in the way of delivering services to the city. Days later, he said he intended to reach out to the White House soon because federal cooperation would be essential once he assumes office in January.
While Mamdani’s office did not issue a fresh statement on Sunday, aides referred back to those earlier comments, underscoring his openness to dialogue.
The White House also clarified the president’s remarks. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump was speaking about Mamdani and said that although no date had been finalized, the administration was open to scheduling the meeting. “We want the best for New York,” Trump added.
The president’s pivot came during a broader discussion of foreign policy in which he also mentioned the possibility of talks with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, noting, “I’ll talk to anybody.”
If a meeting between Trump and Mamdani does take place, it would mark a significant moment in the evolving dynamic between the federal government and the nation’s most populous city. It could also test how Mamdani balances his identity as a prominent critic of the president with the practical demands of governing.
For now, both sides appear to be signaling that cooperation — even if temporary or limited — may be on the table.
